Can anyone file bankruptcy?

Anyone can file bankruptcy, but there are limitations regarding which form of bankruptcy is permissible. Qualifying for Chapter 7 requires a means test that evaluates income, debt levels, and income left over each month after paying basic obligations. Income over the median set by the court and monthly income that allows meaningful payments toward unsecured debt can disqualify filers from Chapter 7, which is generally the preferred form of bankruptcy due to the possibility of a full discharge. Anyone can file Chapter 13 bankruptcy, but the terms are less favorable. In most cases, some debts must be repaid following a successful filing. Chapter 13 is also more likely to result in asset forfeiture.

How bad is it to file bankruptcy twice?

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.2;margin-top:9pt;margin-bottom:9pt;">Although possible, due to the damaging nature of bankruptcy, filing bankruptcy more than once isn't recommended. Filing multiple times puts a serious burden on one's credit report, making it harder to get a loan, buy a house, buy a car, or even open credit cards.</p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.2;margin-top:9pt;margin-bottom:9pt;">Note that filing for bankruptcy isn't something that can be done at a filer's leisure. There are time limits following bankruptcy cases that dictate when it's permissible to file again. For example, after Chapter 7 bankruptcy, filers must wait at least eight years before filing Chapter 7 again or four years before filing Chapter 13.</p>

Can they take my car in Chapter 7 bankruptcy?

In many cases, it's possible to keep a vehicle following Chapter 7 bankruptcy. The Chapter 7 Motor Vehicle Exemption allows filers who own their vehicles outright or who are up to date with payments to keep their cars. However, those behind on making car payments are required to arrange a repayment plan. Otherwise, the vehicle may be repossessed as a part of the proceedings.

8 Best Bellingham Bankruptcy Attorneys

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24/7 Legal

Bellingham, WA

Clients looking for a bankruptcy attorney can connect with 24/7 Legal. The company has a database of over 20,000 professionals, allowing it to match clients with the right service provider regardless of their location. It connects clients with bankruptcy attorneys who represent both creditors and debtors in chapters 7 and 13 proceedings. These lawyers handle both transactional and litigation matters. 24/7 Legal maintains open communication with clients to ensure that they find the provider that fits their specific requirements.

(360) 523-1825

Law Offices of Paul Richmond

119 North Commercial Street, Bellingham, WA 98225

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Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
Debt Settlement

The Law Offices of Paul Richmond handles bankruptcy cases in Bellingham. Richmond helps clients get a fresh start by guiding them through the process of chapter 7 and chapter 13 bankruptcies. He also helps them deal with creditor harassment and save as much property and assets as they can. Aside from bankruptcy law, Richmond also handles cases involving consumer law, criminal law, family law, foreclosure defense, freedom of speech and civil rights, and public records and FOIA requests.

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Law Offices of Steven Hathaway

3811 Consolidation Avenue, Bellingham, WA 98229

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Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

Headquartered in Belligham, the Law Offices of Steven Hathaway provides legal services for clients facing bankruptcy challenges and are looking for a fresh financial start. The bankruptcy law firm guides clients through legal procedures and helps them handle debt collection calls, tax issues, wage garnishments, home foreclosures, and car repossessions. Hathaway's firm caters to individuals as well as small businesses and couples that need legal assistance for Chapter 7, 11, 12, and 13 bankruptcy cases. The firm has more than 26 years of experience in bankruptcy cases.

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Limitless Law PLLC

1313 E. Maple Street, Suite 400, Bellingham, WA 98225

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Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
Debt Settlement

Limitless Law PLLC is a bankruptcy law firm that offers legal solutions in Bellingham and other communities. The professionals from this company provide debt-relief tools and handle chapter 7 and 13 filing options, debt settlements, and other bankruptcy alternatives. The team can also help clients in other areas such as estate planning, probate, real estate, and business law. Limitless Law uses aims to make services available to clients securely and quickly.

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Tario & Associates, P.S.

119 N. Commerical St., #1000, Bellingham, WA 98225

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Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

Tario & Associates PS is a firm based in Bellingham that provides legal representation from bankruptcy attorneys. The firm helps clients through legal procedures associated with bankruptcy to help them relieve debt and ensure a fresh start in financial management. Tario & Associates caters to individuals and businesses covered by Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. Since 1979, the firm has been protecting clients' rights in bankruptcies as well as personal injury cases.

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Tario & Associates, P.S., Mount Vernon

413 South 1st Street, Mount Vernon, WA 98273

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Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

Tario & Associates, P.S. is a bankruptcy law firm in Bellingham. Since 1969, the firm has provided legal counsel for various bankruptcy matters. It assists individuals facing medical debts, credit harassment, and lawsuits. It provides services in chapter 7 and chapter 13 bankruptcy, as well as debt consolidation, wage garnishment and debt relief, and collections litigation. The firm offers consulting services that cover discussions on the available bankruptcy options, how bankruptcy can provide debt relief, and the process of filing.

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the Eason Law Firm, PS

725 South 1st Street, Mount Vernon, WA 98273

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Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

The Eason Law Firm, PS. in Bellingham is a bankruptcy law firm that was founded in 2001 by Rachelle Eason. It provides services to individuals and businesses facing financial difficulties. It helps in filing chapter 7 and chapter 13 bankruptcy. The firm's other practice areas include family law, business law, and personal injury law. It provides assistance in corporation setup and business contracts. Rachelle Eason served as a legal counsel for the Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce.

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The Law Office of David Lowell Attorney at Law

606 E Fairhaven Ave, Burlington, WA 98233, Burlington, WA 98233

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Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

The Law Office of David Lowell, Attorney at Law, services the Bellingham area and provides legal representation for bankruptcy cases. The Burlington-based bankruptcy lawyer offers assistance for businesses as well as individuals and their families that are facing unpaid debt and other issues related to Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcies. Lowell has over 21 years of experience in general legal practice and seeks to support clients looking for a fresh start in financial management. Aside from bankruptcy cases, Lowell also practices in family law, personal injury, and criminal defense.

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Best Bankruptcy Attorneys in Bellingham

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Bankruptcy Attorneys FAQs

24/7 Legal

Law Offices of Paul Richmond

Law Offices of Steven Hathaway

Limitless Law PLLC

Tario & Associates, P.S.

Tario & Associates, P.S., Mount Vernon

the Eason Law Firm, PS

The Law Office of David Lowell Attorney at Law

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can anyone file bankruptcy?

Q: How bad is it to file bankruptcy twice?

Q: Can they take my car in Chapter 7 bankruptcy?

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